The Illinois River with Klondike Peak in the background - Photo: Pete Wallstrom

Illinois River Rafting

One of the great wilderness trips in the country - some say the best

TRIP LENGTH

4 days

WHEN TO GO

April - early May

WHO IT'S FOR

Class IV+ (V):
For the experienced and adventurous beginner in good physical condition.
Minimum age 14

ACTIVITIES

Rafting, Hiking

GATEWAY CITY

Medford OR (MFR)

MEETING LOCATION

Ashland/Medford, OR

Illinois River Rafting

5"I just wanted to thank you again for the great Illinois trip a few weeks ago, it was definitely one of the best multi-day trips I have ever been on and, as usual, the attention to detail that you and your guides adhere to is astounding and very much appreciated"
- Paul based on 21 reviews - more reviews >215

Illinois River Rafting

Southern Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Illinois River is considered by some to be the best wilderness rafting trip in the country. Few rivers can match its combination of extreme isolation, solitude (we can only take 24 people a year down this river), beauty, and whitewater. The Illinois features crystal clear water, countless waterfalls tumbling into the river, a spectacular canyon with steep walls draped in moss and ferns, and world-class pool drop whitewater. This rafting trip is what wilderness river running is all about and we are honored to offer it.

Momentum Illinois TripsThe Illinois is a classic Momentum spring trip. Remote, very rarely run, with the kind of challenging logistics that we relish! We truly love showing people this place. Please call if you have any questions about this amazing adventure!

Our Illinois Rafting Trips were featured in Outside Magazine

The Illinois begins at the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains along the Oregon California border. The river then makes a very brief run through civilization before tumbling through the coastal mountains of the vast Kalmiopsis Wilderness (where we begin our trip). This section is one of the most inaccessible stretches of river in the country and the canyons and mountains are as rugged and steep as any in Oregon.

There is a ton of amazing whitewater with eleven class IV drops, one class V (the infamous “Green Wall”) and countless others. The rapids are a perfect combination of giant boulders, big holes, steep drops, and crystal clear crashing waves.

There are no dams on the Illinois and it is fed by a relatively low elevation snow pack so the rafting season is April through early May before the water drops too low. Because of this, a journey down the Illinois can also be a test of rain gear – it’s the Pacific Northwest in spring! However with the right gear (we will help you with that) and the right attitude, the rainiest of trips will still be remembered as trip of a life time. And if everything comes together and the trip is enjoyed under blue skies this canyon is as close to paradise as you will find.

You by no means need to be an expert to raft the Illinois – adventurous first timers in good physical condition are more then welcome. However this trip is a true adventure and all guests need to be ready for inclement weather and most of all need to bring an adventurous spirit.

Please Note:
– The water levels on the Illinois fluctuate wildly and can rise to un-raftable levels in less then a day. Because of this it is possible that we may be forced to run an alternate stretch at the last minute.
– Trips are kept very small with a 2 or 3 to one guest to guide ratio.
– We can only take 24 people down a year so trips fill very quickly.

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Why Momentum
on the on Oregon's Illinois River

• This is the kind of trip we are known for – remote and off the beaten path. It is a 'backyard' river for us and we know it extremely well.
• Small trips, unparalleled personal service, and a greater experience.
• A small company committed to amazing trips & our wild places.
• Safety: All our guides have a minimum 5 years of experience leading trips around the world.
• Excellent meals featuring local and organic produce & products
• All inclusive: all camping gear included if needed (ultra-comfortable 3” sleeping pads).
• Most importantly - we are friendly, we love what we do, and it shows!

Recent Testimonials

5"I just wanted to thank you again for the great Illinois trip a few weeks ago, it was definitely one of the best multi-day trips I have ever been on and, as usual, the attention to detail that you and your guides adhere to is astounding and very much appreciated" - Paul

5"We had a fabulous time on the Illinois. Thank you for being so knowledgeable, patient and supportive. We also really appreciated the great meals, especially for vegan, lactose intolerant folks."

5"We just returned from an epic 4 day Momentum rafting trip down the Illinois river. This was a fantastic experience and an incredible bargain based on all we got for our money. We were led by 2 awesome guides who made us feel pampered even though we were in the middle of a wilderness area. Cooper is a natural leader with a charismatic personality combined with outstanding technical skills. He was a wealth of knowledge about the natural history of the area and was also a great teacher of rafting and paddling technique. Andy is a perfect southern gentlemen who is so strong he should be on the cover of a box of Wheaties. I had complete confidence in these 2 fine young men who kept us safe and made this one of my favorite trips ever. We are already planning our next Momentum trip. WTG Andy and Cooper!" - DD

TRIP INFORMATION

Why Momentum
on the Illinois River

• This is the kind of trip we are known for – remote and off the beaten path. It is a 'backyard' river for us and we know it extremely well.
• Small trips, unparalleled personal service, and a greater experience.
• A small company committed to amazing trips & our wild places.
• Safety: All our guides have a minimum 5 years of experience leading trips around the world.
• Excellent meals featuring local and organic produce & products
• All inclusive: all camping gear included if needed (ultra-comfortable 3” sleeping pads).
• Most importantly - we are friendly, we love what we do, and it shows!

TRIP INFORMATION

Why Momentum
on the Illinois River

• This is the kind of trip we are known for – remote and off the beaten path. It is a 'backyard' river for us and we know it extremely well.
• Small trips, unparalleled personal service, and a greater experience.
• A small company committed to amazing trips & our wild places.
• Safety: All our guides have a minimum 5 years of experience leading trips around the world.
• Excellent meals featuring local and organic produce & products
• All inclusive: all camping gear included if needed (ultra-comfortable 3” sleeping pads).
• Most importantly - we are friendly, we love what we do, and it shows!

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

OUR PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

We are proud to operate under Special Use Permits granted to us by the Oregon Marine Board, the Bureau of Land Management – Klamath Falls Resource Area, Medford Oregon Resource Area, and the Vale District – and The U.S. Forest Service – Ashland Oregon Ranger District, Happy Camp Ranger District, and Idaho’s Salmon-Challis National Forest. We are an equal opportunity recreation service provider. All trips operate on a non-discriminatory basis.